Because of social media and an increasingly political world, many artists and celebrities feel the need to make public statements to show their support of issues like women’s rights and climate change.
Celebrities often use their platform to bring light and offer aid to movements that they support. But just because someone gains a following from acting or music does not mean that they owe their fans a statement on their political views.
Polarization, especially in America, has led many celebrities to endorse presidential candidates to avoid being “canceled” by their audiences. However, many face political backlash regardless.
Why does this happen? Celebrities are real people who have real lives. They do not owe it to the public to share their political beliefs and violate their own privacy to appease fans.
Pop-singer Chappell Roan, who has risen to fame quickly in recent months, has become swept up in this issue lately.
Roan has been vocal about her support of LGBTQ+ rights and the Palestinian people in Gaza. Because of these beliefs, Roan has chosen not to endorse a presidential candidate. Despite this, she said she dislikes former President Donald Trump, leading fans to the conclusion that she would be voting for Vice President Kamala Harris.
In recent weeks, audiences have bashed Roan for her lack of endorsement, spreading false rumors of her supporting Trump. The artist had to publish a second statement to correct these falsehoods, which only led to more online hate.
Roan is far from alone. In 2020, fans urged Taylor Swift to endorse a presidential candidate. Swift, who had previously kept out of politics, released a statement October 2020 stating that she would be supporting Joe Biden in the election.
While some fans criticized her for supporting Biden, much of the hate that she received focused on her endorsement coming so close to election day, later than when some fans wanted.
In September of this year, Swift posted on Instagram stating that she would be voting for Harris in a statement that poked fun at vice presidential candidate JD Vance’s criticism of “childless cat ladies.” Swift’s fan base has largely been pleased with this endorsement, but there is a small margin of fans who have run to social media to declare their love of the artist over.
While many celebrities have gotten hate for endorsing Harris, those who have publicly supported Trump, or appeared at his rallies or the Republican National Convention, have also received backlash.
Kid Rock is one such case. After supporting Trump since 2016, Rock took his endorsement to the next level, performing at the RNC in 2024. Some of his fans have been enthusiastic, while some social media users have criticized him.
Athletes have also been subject to criticism when they make their political views public. NBA star Lebron James and former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick both faced criticism in the past for their stances on social justice and political issues.
The public, especially social media users, need to remember that celebrities are people with lives and families of their own. And that they do not owe their fans windows into their private lives.
They may have political opinions they make public, or not. If they help you think about something, that’s great. But there is no need to attack them for giving – or not giving – their opinion.
